The second annual Wild Art event to benefit Appalachian Wildlife Refuge will be held from 1:00 pm until 5:00 pm on June 11th at The Smoky Park Supper Club’s Boathouse, on the banks of the French Broad River.
Wild Art is a family-friendly event, showcasing works by the 12 regional artists of The Saints of Paint group. The art focuses on themes of wildlife and the Appalachian landscape. The Saints of Paint will donate a portion of art sales to help Appalachian Wild open a wildlife urgent care facility.
The event is free to attend with art for sale and a raffle to benefit Appalachian Wild. Appalachian Wild Board Director and wildlife rehabilitator, Carlton Burke will be attending with some wildlife ambassadors for the guests to meet and to inspire the artists. Artist Tony Corbitt will again paint one of the animals during the event and available to answer questions about the art. There will be light snacks provided and a cash bar.
The event comes on the heels of the global attention Appalachian Wild has received from social media posts that have gone viral about recycling old mascara wands to save wild lives. The wildlife rehabilitators use old mascara brushes to remove fly eggs and larva from the fur of wild animals. They work great because the bristles are close together. Clean your old wands in warm soapy water and gather from friends and family to donate at the event. Find out more about Wands for Wildlife at www.AppalachianWild.org/wands-for-wildlife.
The attention from Wands for Wildlife and the Wild Art event is happening at a critical time as home-based wildlife rehabilitators are overwhelmed with the number of wildlife needing help. Appalachian Wild’s all volunteer staff has been working tirelessly to open a wildlife urgent care facility. Fortunately, a building has been generously donated to the nonprofit, but is in need of repairs and renovations. The ‘Save Wild Lives’ campaign was started to raise the remaining funds to open the doors to the wild ones. Find out how you can help, volunteer and donate at www.appalachianwild.org.